Today we’d like to introduce you to Braden Pedersen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career as a pastor, spending more than a decade leading people, building teams, and serving communities. That season shaped how I view leadership, purpose, and the kind of steady, compassionate guidance that mission-driven work requires. Over time, I stepped into executive roles in nonprofit and ministry environments, overseeing development, leading strategy, and helping organizations navigate complex transitions and growth.
Even then, I never planned to start a consulting firm. But during those years, friends at other nonprofits kept asking for help – strategy questions, fundraising support, communication challenges, donor engagement, board issues, you name it. I began helping a few organizations on the side, mostly just trying to serve leaders who were overwhelmed and under-resourced. What I discovered was a pattern: incredible organizations with meaningful missions were struggling simply because they didn’t have access to the clarity, strategy, or support they needed.
In 2024, I finally made the leap and launched Onyx Nonprofit Strategies. My goal was simple: give nonprofit leaders a trusted partner who can help them raise more money, strengthen their operations, and build a roadmap that brings stability instead of stress. I wanted to create a firm that combined high-level strategy with practical, hands-on support without the inflated cost or complexity many consultants bring.
Since then, Onyx has grown faster than I ever expected. We’ve partnered with nonprofits across Kansas City and around the country, and this past year alone the organizations we’ve supported have raised several million dollars. We’ve helped launch new fundraising programs, built strategic plans from the ground up, strengthened development systems, and guided leaders through major organizational decisions.
Looking back, every part of my journey led here. The pastoral foundation taught me to care deeply for people. The executive leadership roles taught me how to build systems and strategies that actually work. And Onyx is where all of that comes together: serving leaders, strengthening missions, and helping nonprofits grow in ways that are sustainable and meaningful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone who builds something from scratch would call the road “smooth,” and I’m no exception. The work has been incredibly rewarding, but there have definitely been challenges along the way.
One of the early struggles was simply learning how to balance everything. I launched Onyx while still working full-time, building a client base in the evenings, on weekends, and during any spare moment I could find. It required a lot of discipline, a lot of late nights, and a lot of trust that the work would eventually build into something sustainable.
Another challenge was learning to say no. In the beginning, every opportunity feels like something you should take, especially in the nonprofit world where leaders are stretched thin and you genuinely want to help everyone. But I had to learn how to structure Onyx in a way that protected the quality of our work, my own wellbeing, and the long-term vision. Saying yes to everything actually slows you down; saying yes to the right things is what grows you.
There were also internal hurdles—imposter syndrome, the pressure of stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time, and the reality that in consulting, you’re building both the business and the confidence to walk into a room and guide leaders twice your age with clarity and conviction. That took time, reflection, and a lot of trust in the calling I felt to do this work.
But every challenge ended up sharpening the firm & what we had to offer. Each obstacle forced me to refine the systems, strengthen the offering, and get clearer about who Onyx is meant to serve. The hard parts weren’t roadblocks—they were shaping points.
As you know, we’re big fans of Onyx Nonprofit Strategies. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Onyx Nonprofit Strategies is a consulting firm built for small and mid-sized nonprofits that want to grow but don’t have the internal bandwidth, strategy, or clarity to get there. We focus on two main areas: fundraising and organizational strategy. Our work is all about helping nonprofits raise more money, build stronger systems, and create sustainable growth without overwhelming their teams.
Our biggest demand is for our fundraising consulting services. Organizations come to us because they’re tired of guessing, reacting, or trying to piece together a development program on their own. We conduct a full audit of their fundraising operation, build a comprehensive roadmap, and then—and this is what sets us apart—we actually help them implement it. We don’t just hand over a pretty-looking plan. We walk with them step by step, helping execute the strategies so they see real, measurable results. This year alone, the nonprofits we’ve partnered with have raised several million dollars through improved donor engagement, new fundraising programs, stronger communications, and clearer systems.
We also offer strategic planning services that help nonprofits get grounded, aligned, and focused. Instead of handing leaders a 60-page document they’ll never read again, we guide them through a practical, collaborative process that clarifies their priorities and helps them set a direction they can actually act on. The value isn’t the “plan on paper”—it’s the clarity, alignment, and confidence leaders gain to make decisions and lead their teams in a healthier, more sustainable way.
What truly sets Onyx apart is our combination of empathy and excellence. My background taught me how to care for people; my leadership experience taught me how to build structure and strategy. Most consultants lean heavily toward one or the other—we bring both. Our clients feel supported, understood, and equipped, not overwhelmed or talked down to.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Onyx has become known for bringing clarity to leaders who have been carrying far too much for far too long. Again and again, clients tell us, “I feel like I can breathe now.” That’s the heart of what we do.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s this: your mission deserves a clear path forward. You don’t have to build it alone. Onyx exists to come alongside leaders, help them grow their revenue, strengthen their systems, and ultimately expand their impact with confidence.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is growing up in Nebraska and going to Nebraska football games every Saturday. It was such a big part of our family rhythm—packing up, heading to the stadium, being surrounded by that sea of red, and feeling the whole community come alive. Those Saturdays were less about the game itself and more about the tradition, the excitement, and the time with my family. It’s something I still look back on with a lot of fondness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onyxkc.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-np-strategies/
